Jaguars coach Gus Bradley had a lot to do with putting Seahawks defense together

A bold statement to be certain, but they’re on track. Seattle has built arguably the league’s best secondary. Three of the four starters — cornerback Brandon Browner, free safety Earl Thomas and strong safety Kam Chancellor — have made the Pro Bowl.

Sherman is likely to add that accolade to his resume this season if he stays healthy. He was an Associated Press first-team All-Pro selection last season.

That’s the challenge facing the Jaguars (0-2) when they travel to Seattle (2-0) this Sunday. For Jaguars coach Gus Bradley, he’ll be going up against the secondary he helped develop as the Seahawks defensive coordinator from 2009-12.

“We play a very aggressive style and we were able to get guys that accent that,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. “They have bought in to the camaraderie, chemistry and commitment that it takes to be truly uniquely connected. They were able to take that to a whole different level.”

Amazingly, the Seahawks have accomplished the feat of building an elite secondary while investing limited resources. Only Thomas was a first-round pick (14th overall in 2010). Chancellor and Sherman were fifth-round selections in the 2010 and 2011 draft, respectively.

Browner was a true hidden gem. He played in the Canadian Football League for four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders before signing with Seattle.

“It was kind of dim for a while,” Browner said. “I was up there for four years. I was always having tryouts with NFL teams, but always got overlooked.”

No one around the league is overlooking Seattle’s secondary now.

The Seahawks have already shut down San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Carolina’s Cam Newton, two of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the sport.

Kaepernick completed 13-of-28 passes for 127 yards with three interceptions in a 29-3 loss at Seattle last Sunday night. He also lost a fumble. Sherman, Chancellor and Thomas each picked him off. Browner didn’t play as he has missed the first two games with a hamstring injury.

Kaepernick said following the game he felt Seattle got away with some things. Sherman had a quick response when asked about it on Thursday.

“We got away with three picks, two fumbles, five turnovers,” Sherman said. “We got away with a 29-3 victory is what it looks like.”

Through two games, the Seahawks lead the NFL in passing defense at 113 yards per game, 30 yards better than any other team.

“All you need is a little more time and they allow you to get that,” said Seattle defensive end Cliff Avril, a former Clay High standout.

“It’s great to have those guys behind you.”

Seattle targeted height in building its secondary. Browner stands 6-foot-4, while Sherman is 6-3. What the team didn’t count on is how the four would bond.

“The thing that impresses me the most is their connection to each other,” Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said. “They can talk to each other in a language that few can. They truly care about each other and hold each other accountable. “The way they work, not just in practice, but in meetings is rare.”

Now comes the frightening part for the NFL. Seattle’s secondary is still awfully young. Browner is the oldest member at 27, Sherman and Chancellor are 25, while Thomas is 24.

“They’re so young and they’re just getting started,” Carroll said. “They’ve got a great foundation for being a stellar group for a time to come.”